If you struggle with loud snoring and restless nights, the problem might not stop at poor quality sleep. Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect your breathing but can also take a toll on your oral health. From teeth grinding to dry mouth and an increased risk of tooth decay, understanding the link between sleep apnea and oral health could be the first step toward a healthier smile and a better night’s sleep.
At Birch Family Dental, we’ve seen firsthand how dental conditions often accompany sleep apnea. With years of experience providing personalized care, we can help you address these issues and work toward a healthier, more comfortable smile. Located in Green River, Wyoming, we combine advanced dental technology with compassionate care to ensure your health and comfort are always our priority. Let us help you achieve better sleep and a healthier smile for life.
What Is Sleep Apnea and How Does It Affect Oral Health?
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, sleep apnea is a widespread disorder that affects nearly 26% of adults. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of this disorder, characterized by the throat muscles relaxing and blocking the airway while sleeping, preventing breathing. This causes your brain to wake you up to restart your breathing. This cycle of sleeping and waking continues throughout the night, resulting in poor-quality sleep.
Because sleep apnea affects the mouth and throat, several dental health issues are associated with this disorder. Surprisingly, your dentist is likely the first medical professional to notice your sleep apnea signs. These oral health problems include bruxism, TMJ, and tooth decay.
Bruxism
Bruxism is the technical name for teeth grinding. Some signs you might be grinding your teeth at night include abnormal wear on the teeth, headaches, and jaw pain when you wake up. Bruxism is linked to sleep apnea because your jaw reflexively clenches to try to prevent your airway from being blocked as your throat begins to relax.
TMJ
Temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ disorder or TMD, has been found to have a close link to sleep apnea. A study from the Journal of Dental Research found that people with obstructive sleep apnea were 73% more likely to have TMJ disorder as well. The TMJ joints connect the lower and upper jaw on either side of the face. When these joints become misaligned or stop functioning properly, you might experience symptoms related to TMJ disorder. These symptoms include:
- Jaw pain
- Pain in the head, neck, and shoulders
- Pain while chewing
- Clicking or grinding sounds in the jaw
- Inability to open or close the mouth
While the correlation between these two disorders has not yet been determined, they both do relate to the poor functioning of the muscles on the inside of the mouth.
Tooth Decay
Because sleep apnea forces you to breathe through your mouth rather than your nose, it can result in dry mouth. This dry environment can lead to the buildup of plaque. The saliva in your mouth helps keep the teeth clean of bacteria; when that saliva isn’t present because of a dry mouth, you are left with a breeding ground for gingivitis and periodontal disease. While tooth decay isn’t a clear indicator of sleep apnea, combined with the other signs of bruxism and TMJ disorder, it might lead your dentist to recommend you for sleep testing.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should consult your physician to determine if you have sleep apnea and discuss your options for treatment. Thanks to modern dental advancements, you might not be stuck with a bulky CPAP machine; instead, you can use a custom-fit oral appliance created by your dentist. These devices are designed to hold your jaw open and improve your airflow while sleeping.
If you have been identified as having sleep apnea, contact us at Birch Family Dental to learn your oral appliance options and get started on improving your sleep and waking up feeling well-rested again.
Prioritize Your Health at Birch Family Dental
At Birch Family Dental, we recognize the profound connection between sleep apnea and oral health. With years of experience and a dedication to personalized care, we are committed to addressing your dental concerns and improving your overall well-being. Whether it’s managing the effects of bruxism, alleviating TMJ discomfort, or creating a custom oral appliance to help you breathe more easily at night, we offer comprehensive solutions customized to your needs.
Our advanced technology and compassionate approach ensure that you receive exceptional care in a welcoming environment. If sleep apnea has impacted your oral health or quality of life, let us help you take the first step toward better sleep and a healthier smile. Call us today at (307) 875-3658 or visit our contact form to schedule your appointment.
